The Australian Made Campaign has partnered with Master Builders Australia to boost exports and the use of locally made products by the building and construction sectors.

The initiative is aimed at encouraging building and construction firms to source Australian-made goods and assisting local businesses in marketing their products and services to export markets.

A recent research carried out by Roy Morgan has found that 75% of Australians prefer Australian-made building and construction goods, making local content an important selling factor for businesses.

Australian Made Campaign Chief Executive, Ian Harrison said Australian-made products have a reputation for superior quality and durability, adding that manufacturers and developers promoting goods as genuinely Australian should leverage country-of-origin branding whenever possible.

“Research shows the Australian Made logo is recognised by 99% of Australians, and has been found to increase sales in export markets as well, so it should form an important part of any marketing strategy. As a registered certification trade mark it defends the authenticity of Australian goods.”

Master Builders Australia Chief Executive, Denita Wawn, said the organisation was proud to partner with the Australian Made Campaign, adding that the Australian Made logo will be central to the branding of Master Builders Australia trade missions and exhibitions to be carried out in 2017/18.

“Formalising the longstanding relationship between Master Builders Australia and the Australian Made Campaign demonstrates our commitment to local industry. This initiative will greatly benefit Australian manufacturers and the broader building and construction industries,” Ms Wawn said.

“This year’s trade missions and exhibitions will benefit greatly from the powerful message the Australian Made logo conveys.”

Master Builders Australia has opened its Export Diagnostic Program to businesses interested to participate in the export promotions.

Ms Wawn said the Program assists companies in determining whether they have the right tools in place to be successful overseas, and aids in the development of export strategies.

“Leveraging Australia’s excellent reputation via events like these can help grow market share abroad, making businesses far more import-resistant,” she concluded.